Tao Te Ching #55: “Knowing how to be balanced we endure, knowing how to endure we become wise”

The richness of subliminal virtueis comparable to an infant:poisonous creatures do not sting it,wild beasts do not claw it,predatory birds do not grab it.Its tendons are flexible,yet its grip is firm.Even while it knows not the mating of male and female,its genitals get aroused;this is the epitome of vitality.It can cry all day without choking or getting hoarse;this is the epitome of harmony.Knowing harmony is called constancy,knowing constancy is called clarity;enhancing life is called propitious,the mind mastering energy is called strong.When beings climax in power, they wane;this is called being unguided.The unguided die early.

– Thomas Cleary

He who possesses virtue in abundance resembles a newborn childwasps don’t sting himbeasts don’t claw himbirds of pretty don’t carry him offhis bones are weak and his tendons softyet his grip is firmhe hasn’t known the union of sexesyet his penis is stiffso full of essence is hehe cries all dayyet never gets hoarsehis breath is so perfectly balancedknowing how to be balanced we endureknowing how to endure we become wisewhile those who lengthen their life tempt luckand those who force their breath become strongbut once things mature they become oldthis isn’t the Waywhat isn’t the Way ends early

– Red Pine

Who holds within the fullest powerTo a newborn may compare,Which no insect stings,No wild beast seizes,No taloned bird snatches.Though soft-boned and weak-limbed, its grip is firm.Before it ever knows of intercourse,Its standing phallus allows its full life force.It cries all day without a loss of voice,A sign of its perfect balance.Knowing balance means constant norm;Knowing the norm means inner vision;Enhancing life means good fortune;Mind controlling spirit means inner strength.“Beware old age in pride of manly might,”For that means working against the Way.“Work against the Way, die before your day.”